This site provides support for the Office of the Lt Governor. For updated info on the Governor, use Governor.illinois.gov.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn chairs the Illinois delegation to the Great Lakes Commission, a bi-national agency that promotes the orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes basin.

Since its establishment 45 years ago, the Great Lakes Commission has been a pioneer in applying principles of sustainability to the development, use and conservation of the natural resources of the Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River. The Commission recognizes and promotes the complement of environmental protection and economic goals and has built its reputation on an integrated and objective approach to public policy issues and opportunities.

Do your part to protect our beaches and waterways by following these 10 simple steps.

At the water:

Don't feed seagulls, pigeons, ducks, geese, or any other wildlife you encounter at the beach or riverbank.

Properly dispose of your trash and other trash you find in waste receptacles.

Infants and toddlers should wear rubber pants if they go in the water.

Only take your pets to appropriately designated beaches, like dog beaches.

Properly dispose of your pet's waste at the beach.

When you go boating, don't empty your waste into the water.

In the neighborhood:

Properly dispose of your pet's waste on your lawn and when walking your pet around the neighborhood.

During storms, delay activities that require a lot of water, such as laundry or washing dishes.